US: "No Ships Breached Iran Blockade Line"... Saudi Arabia Urges Lifting of Counter-Blockade

Reuters Yonhap News

원본보기 아이콘

The U.S. military announced that no vessels entered or exited Iranian ports for 24 hours following the imposition of a maritime blockade against Iran. As a result of this measure, China, now unable to receive Iranian crude oil, strongly criticized the United States. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, the U.S.'s key Middle Eastern ally, expressed concerns that the escalating conflict could lead to further blockades of strategic straits by Iran.

The U.S. Central Command stated on April 14 (local time) that, in the 24 hours since the maritime blockade against Iran began, not a single vessel had breached the U.S. blockade line to enter or exit Iranian ports. In an operational briefing posted on its official account on X (formerly Twitter), the Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, said, "More than 10,000 U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force personnel, over 12 warships, and dozens of aircraft are currently conducting missions to blockade vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports." It also reported that "six merchant vessels, following U.S. instructions, returned to Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman."

Vessels not destined for Iranian ports are presumed to have transited the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing U.S. government officials, reported, "Over the past 24 hours, more than 20 merchant ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz," adding, "Although the volume of merchant traffic has not yet returned to pre-war levels, the flow is clearly improving." The U.S. military has also stated that ships not visiting Iranian ports are exempt from the blockade and are permitted free passage.

However, China, which has maintained oil trade with Iran through direct negotiations, expressed concerns about supply disruptions. Guo Jiaqun, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran during a regular press briefing, calling it a "dangerous and irresponsible act." He added, "At a time when the parties have already agreed to a temporary ceasefire, the United States' expansion of military deployment and implementation of blockade measures only serve to escalate conflict and heighten tensions."

Oil-producing countries in the Middle East are also worried that the U.S.'s dual blockade will cause a broader freeze across regional waters. The Wall Street Journal, citing Arab officials, reported, "Saudi Arabia is urging the United States to lift the counter-blockade on Iran and return to the negotiating table," and warned, "There are concerns that the U.S. maritime blockade could provoke further Iranian actions and even lead to the closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea."

Iran has previously hinted at the possibility of blockading the Bab el-Mandeb Strait through the Houthi rebels, a pro-Iranian armed group in Yemen. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is located between southern Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and eastern Africa, and serves as the only passage from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. Since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has been exporting its crude oil overseas via alternative routes through the Red Sea, using the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.